Reamer cutter mounting



v Aug. 30, 1938.

J. H. HOWARD ET AL 2,128,416

BEAMER CUTTER MOUNTING Filed May 13, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 l @www Aug. 30, 1938. J. H. HOWARD ET Al.

BEAMER GUTTER MOUNTING Filed May 15, .1936 2 Sheets-Sheet `2 ma if@ Patented. Aug. 30, 1938 nEAMEn CUTTER MOUNTING John n. Howard, Huntington Park, and Aurea c.

Oatland, Alhambra, Calif.: said Catland assignor to Globe Oil Tools Company, a corporation of California l 8 Claims.

This invention relates to well reamers and relates more particularly to mountlngs for the roller cutters of well reamers. A general object o! this invention is to provide improved practical and particularly ecient anti-friction mountings for roller reamer cutters.

Another object of this invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive, anti-friction bearing means for dependably rotatably supporting the roller cutter of a well reamer.

Another object of this invention is to provide an anti-friction roller bearing means for supporting a roller cutter that is very easy and convenient to assemble. A

Another object of this invention is to provide a roller bearing mounting for the roller cutter of a Well tool that embodies means for retaining the rollers in position prior to and during the insertion of the cutter supporting pin through the cutter. y

It is a further object of this invention to pro-` vide an improved anti-friction ball bearing means for rotatably supporting the roller cutter of a well tool that is easy and convenient to assemble and that provides for the proper uniform distribution of the load or active forces throughout the length of the cutter.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical 'preferred forms and applications of our invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a well reamer embodying one form of the Apresent invention. Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 2 2, 3 3 and 6 6, respectively, on Fig. 1. Fig. 5

-is an enlarged longitudinal fragmentary detailed sectional viewl taken substantially as indicated by line 5 5 on Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged vfragmentary vertical detailed sectional view illustrating the cooperation of a roller with the spacer. Fig. 'l is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view illustrating ,the cooperation ofa roller with a Washer. Fig. 8 is Aa view similar to Fig. 5 illustrating an alternative form of bearing means and Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view oi a reamer illustrating a form of ball bearing cutter mounting provided by the invention.

The improved bearing means of the present invention is adapted to be employed in well reamers and well tools varying considerably in character. In the following detailed description we Application May 13,1936, SV el'lall No. 79,491

(Cl. Z55- 73) will disclose the invention embodied in a well reamer of the general character set forth in Patent No.- 2,035,888, issued to1J. H. Howard on March 3l, 1935. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be `construed as' limited or 6 restricted to the specic constructions or applications about to be described.

The well reamer illustrated in the drawings comprises a shank or body III to be interposed in a well drilling string. The body I0 is an l0 elongate member provided at its ends with means for connecting it in the string. In the case illustrated a. tapered threaded pin II is provided at the upper end of the body I0 and a tapered threaded socket I2 is provided in the lower end'15 of the body. A central longitudinal'uid passage I3 extends through the body I0 from one end to the otherto conduct the circulation uid. The intermediate portion I4 oi the body I0 is shaped and proportioned to carry the reaming roller cutters I5. The particular reamer illustrated has three circumferentially spaced cutters I5 and the body portion It is substantially triangular in horizontal cross section. Recesses I5 are provided in the apex parts of the body portion I 4. The recesses I 6 extend vertically or longitudinally .and have ilat upper and lower end walls. The

inner walls of the recesses I6 are concave and curved. The recesses 4I6 may be alike `in size and shape.

'I'he reamer cutters I5 are substantially cylindrical roller cutters. The cutters I5 are provided with suitable teeth or cutting parts Il. Each cutter I5 has a. central longitudinal opening I8 A extending through it from one end to the other. The several cutters I5 are illustrated as being alike. However, the cutters may have cutting parts or teeth Il of various characters. The lower portions 'of the cutters I5 are preferablyl tapered downwardly and inwardly.

The form of cutter mounting means of the present invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, inelusive, of the drawings, includes, generally, a pin 20 extending through each body recess I6, series of rollers 2l in each cutter I5 for rotatably sup- 45 'porting the cutter on the pin 20, spacers 22 between the series of rollers 2l, and washers 23 at the ends of the cutters I5. As the means for rotatably supporting the cutters I5 may be identical we will proceed with a detailed description of the means for rotatably supporting one cutter I5, it being understood that such description is equally applicable to the mountings of the several cutters.

The pin 2l of the cutter mounting means extends longitudinally through a body recess I6 to carry a cutter I5 and its bearing elements. The pin 20 is an elongate cylindrical part whose opposite end portions are carried by the body I0. An opening 24 in the body portion I4 communicates with one end of the recess I6 and a similar opening 25 in the body portion I4 communicates 'with the other end of the recess. The pin 20 has one end portion carried in the opening 24 and has its other end portion carried in the opening 25. A stop 26 is provided in the opening 25 to limit the longitudinal movement oi the pin 20. The stop 26 'may be welded or otherwise secured in the opening 25.

Y Means is provided for removably locking the pin 2U against movement. A transverse opening 21 is provided in the body portion I4 and partially intersects the opening 24. A notch 28 is provided in the pin 20 to register with the opening 21. A lock pin 29 is arranged in the opening 21 to cooperate with the notch 28. 'Ihe pin 29 cooperating with the notch 28 dependably locks the pin 26 against rotation and longitudinal movement. Aset screw 30 is threaded in the outer portion of the opening 21 to hold the pin 29 against a shoulder 3| on the wall of the opening 21. A cotter keyy 32 holds the screw 36 against unthreading. A reduced opening 32a communicates with the inner end of the opening 21 to permit the pin 29 to be knocked out when the screw 30 is removed The cutter supporting pin 20 extends through the openings I8 of the cutter I5 with substantial clearance to leave an annular space for receiving the bearing rollers 2| and the spacer 22.

'I'he series of rollers 2| are provided in the opening I8 of the cutter I5 to cooperate with the wall of the opening and the pin 20 and-thus rotatably support the cutter I5' on the pin. The rollers 2| are elongate cylindrical hardened steel members of the proper length and diameter. In the preferred construction illustrated, there are two series of rollers 2| surrounding the pin 2li and spaced apart longitudinally of the pin to be within the opposite end portions of the cutter |5. In accordance with Vthe invention the opposite ends of thevanti-friction rollers 2| arebevelled or tapered having inclined surfaces 34. The rollers 2| may have relatively small at faces 35 at their extremities. In the form of the invention being described the rollers 2| are positioned so that their outer ends are at the ends of the cutter I5.

The spacer 22 is provided to space apart the two series of rollers 2|. 'I'he spacer 22 is in the nature of a tube or sleeve surrounding the pin 20 and fitting the cutter opening I8 with suitable clearance. 'Ihe opposite ends of the spacer 22 are shaped for cooperation with the rollers 2|. A lip 36 is provided on each end of the spacer 22. The lips 36 are continuous or annular. The inner sides or surfaces of the lips 36 are continuationsof the internal wall of the spacer 22. lips 36 are tapered or inclined to cooperate with the tapered surfaces 34 of the rollers 2|. .The cooperation of the surfaces 34 and 31 facilitates the easy assembly of the rollers 2| in the cutter I5 as will be subsequently described. YFlat normal end surfaces 38 are provided on the spacer 22 at the bases of the lips 36. The end faces 35 of the rollers 2| are adapted to cooperate with these surfaces-38. As the rollers 2| of the two series are of the same length the spacer .22 just de- The outer sides or surfaces 31 of the scribed is located intermediate the ends of the cutter I5.

The washers 23 are provided to space the ends of the cutter I5 and the outer ends of the rollers 22 from the endwalls of the recess I6. The washers 23 surround the pin 20 at the opposite ends of the cutter I5. In the preferred construction the washers 23 are square or ilat sided and are received in correspondingly shaped notches 39 occurring in-the end walls of the recess I6. 'Ihe washers 23 thus received in the at walled notches 39 are held against rotation. In accordance with the invention a. lip `4|] is provided on each washer 23 to cooperate with the inclined end surfaces 34 of the rollers 2|. The lips 40 are annular and surround the pin 20. The lips 40 each have a tapered or inclined outer surface 4| for cooperating with the surfaces 34 of the rollers 2| to aid in facilitating the easy assembling of the rollers. The major exposed surfaces of the washers 23 are flat for cooperation with the flat ends of the cutter I5 and the at end surfaces 35 of the rollers 2|.

In assembling the cutter I5 and thev cutter mounting just described the rollers 2| and the spacer 22 are arrangedin their proper positions in the opening I8 of the cutter. The washers 23 are then placed against the opposite ends of the cutter I5. With the parts in these positions the .lips 36 of the spacer 22 cooperate with the surfaces 34 of the rollers 2| to hold the adjacent ends of the rollers 2| against inward displacement. In a like manner the lips 40 of the washers 23 cooperate with the surfaces 34 of the rollers 2| to hold the outer ends of the rollers against inwarddisplacement. Thus the lips 36 and 40 engage the ends of the rollers 2| to retain the*y rollers in position. 'I'he cutter I5 containing the rollers 2| and the spacer 22 is then inserted in the recess I6, together with the washers 23 at its opposite ends. The washers 23 are, of course, entered in their respective notches 39. The pin 20 is passed inwardly through the opening 24 and through the series of rollers 42| and thel spacer 22 to have its end portionreceived in the opening 25. As above described the lips-36 and 40 retain the rollers 2| in place and thus facilitate the easy insertion of the pin 2U. Following insertion of the pin 20 the pin 29 is arranged in the opening 21 and is secured in place by the screw 30.

The cutter mounting meansillustrated in Figs. 1 to '1, inclusive, of the drawings is particularly 'simple and effective. The` spacer 22 and the washers 23 are simple parts and cooperate with the rollers 2| as just described to greatly facilitate the assembling of the tool. The rollers 2| operate to support the cutters I5 'with a minimum .of friction. The parts of the cutter mountings as well as the cutters I5 may be' easily removed for replacement. y

Fig. 8 of the drawings illustrates a form of the invention similar to that just described. The cutter supporting pin 20 and the spacer 22 may be identical with the pin and spacer of the previously described form of the invention. The anti-friction rollers 2|* are of the same shape as the rollers 2| but are slightly shorter than the rollers 2| to have. their outer ends some distance inwardly from the ends of the cutter I5. The rollers 2| have tapered or inclined end surfaces 34a. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings a spacer ring 45 is arranged in each end portion of the cutter opening I8 to space the ends of the rollers 2| from the washer 23. 'I'he rings 45 are provided with annular lips 408 similar in shape and operation to the lips 40. The washers 23 are identical with the washers 23 except that they are devoid of the lips 40. The lips 36 and 4I)s cooperate with the inclined end surfaces 34 of the rollers 2 I*l to retain the rollers in position during the assembling of the cutter on the tool. Except for thedetails just-described the construction illustrated in Fig. 8 is identical with that illustrated in Figs. 5 to I inclusive, and has the same mode of operation.

Fig. 9 of the drawings illustrates another form of roller cutter mounting means. 'Ihe construction illustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings includes, generally, a pin 2lia extending through the body recess I6, a bearing sleeve 50 surrounding the pin 2liEL within the opening I8 of the cutter I5, steel balls 5I carried by the sleeve 50 and washers 52 spacing the ends of the cutter I5 and the sleeve 50 from the end walls of the recess I6.

The pin 20 may be identical with the pin 20 and extends through theopening I8 of the cutter I5 with clearance, leaving an annular space to receive the bearing sleeve 50. 'I'he bearing sleeve 50 is an elongate tubular element. The sleeve 50 surroundsthe pin 2lia with suitable clearance and has suitable clearance with the wall of the opening I8. The opposite ends 53 of the sleeve 50 may be lilat and normal and in the same planes as the ends of the cutters I5. In accordance with the invention a multiplicity of openings 54is provided in the sleeve 5I) to receive the balls 5I. 'I'he openings 54 are spaced circumferentially and longitudinally toprovide for the proper distribution of the load on the cutter I5 and pin 20a. In the preferred construction illustrated the openings 54 are arranged in `a spiralled row or series. shaped to facilitate the retention of the balls 5I in the sleeve 50. The openings 54 are tapered having outwardly flared-or divergent walls.

The anti-friction balls 5I are provided in the openings I8 to support the cutter. I5 for rotation with a minimum of friction. The balls 5I are steel balls of suiiicient diameter to properly cooperate with the pin 20 and the wall of the cutter opening I8. The washers 52 may be fiat surfaced washers for cooperating with vthe ends of the cutter I 5 and sleeve 50. The washers 52 are preferably flat sided to fit the notches 39 whereby they are held against rotation. The openings 54 being in a spiralled series support the balls 5I so that they. do not'track in their contact with the pin 20 and the cutter I5.

In assembling they construction illustrated in 5 Fig. 9 of the drawings the 'sleeve 50 is introduced or started in the opening I8 of the cutter I5. When the sleeve 50 is in a position where its lowermost opening 54 is adjacent the end of the cutter I5 a ball 5I is inserted -in the said opening andthe sleeve is moved downwardly so that the ball is entered inthe opening I8. The tapered wall of the 4said lowermost opening 54 prevents the ball from' falling inwardly in the sleeve while the'wall of the putter opening I8 of course prevents the ball 'from falling outwardly. A ball 5I is then inserted in the next opening 54 and the sleeve 50 againmoved downwardly to bring theball witthin the opening I8 of the cutter. This procedure is repeated until a ball 5I has been 50 is then entirely or substantially entirely within the cutter I5. 'Ihe washers 52 are then arranged in the notches 39 and the cutter I5 carrying the sleeve 50 is inserted in the recess I6. 'I'he pin 20a is then arranged through the opening 24 and the 'Ihe openings -54 arey arranged in each of the openings 54. The sleeve sleeve 50 to have its inner end portion received in the opening 25. The pin 2i)Il may be locked in place with the pin 29 in the same manner as the the openings 54 to assure the proper distribution The taperedopenings 54 of .the

of the forces. sleeve 50 retain the balls 5I to facilitate the easy assembling of the pin '20 through the cutter. It is to be noted that the several forms of the invention provide for the retention of the anti-friction elements in their operative positions during the assembling of the cutter on the tool body I0 to greatly facilitate the assembling of the tool.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of our invention, Wedo /not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details hereinset forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having'described our invention, we claim:

1. In a well tool, a body, a roller cutter having an opening, a pin carried by the body and extending through the opening, series of anti-friction rollers in the opening surrounding the pin, said rollers having reduced ends, a spacer between said series of rollers, and lips on the spacer cooperating withy the adjacent reduced ends of the rollers.

2. In a well tool, a body, a roller cutter having an opening, a pin carried by thebody and extending` through the opening, series of anti-friction rollersv in the opening surrounding the pin, said rollers having reduced end parts, a spacer in the cutter between the series of the rollers, lips on the spacer cooperating with the adjacent end parts of the rollers, washers on the pin spacing the ends of the cutters from the body, and lips on the washers cooperating with the adjacentl end parts oi the rollers.

3. In va well tool, a body, a roller cutter having an opening, a pin carried by the body and extending through the opening, series of anti-friction rollers inthe opening surrounding the pin, said rollers having reduced end portions, washers on the pins spacing the ends of the cutter from the body, and lips on the washersl cooperating with adjacent end portions of the rollers.

4. A construction4 for rotatably supporting a roller cutter on a Well tool bodyincluding, a pin to be carried by the body vto extend through the "the rollers having tapered end surfaces, washers spacing the ends of thecutter'from the body, .annular lips on ,the washers having inclined surfaces cooperating with the adjacent tapered end surfaces of the rollers, a spacer in the cutter be'- A tween the series of rollers, and annular lips on the spacer having inclined surfaces cooperating with the adjacent tapered end surfaces of the Y rollers.

6. A construction for rotatably supporting a roller cutter on a well tool body including, a pin l v to be carried by the body to extend through the cutter, series of anti-friction rollers surrounding the pin to rotatably support the cutter thereon, the rollers having tapered end surfaces, washers on the pin at the ends ot the cutter, rings on the pin in the end portions of the cutters spacing the Arollers from the washer, and annular ridges on the rings cooperating with the adjacent tapered end surfaces of the rollers.

7. A construction for rotatably supporting aA roller cutter on a well tool body including, a pin to be carried by the body to extend through the cutter, series of anti-friction rollers surrounding the pin to rotatably support the cutter thereon, the rollers having tapered end surfaces, a tubular spacer on the pin spacing the series of rollers, an-

I nular ridges on the'spacer cooperating with the adjacent tapered end surfacesfof the rollers,

to rotatably support the cutter thereon, the rollers having tapered end surfaces, washers spacing the ends of the-.cutter from the body, rings on the pin betweenl the rollers and the washers, and annular lips on the rings cooperating with the end surfaces of the rollers.

JOHN H. HOWARD. ALFRED c. CA'ILAND. 

